Guy I bought this from did some reasearch and thinks it was made around 1875 by Purdey. Who knows, not the best pics but maybe somebody will know what I got here.

The GP with crown on top is definitely a London proof used today still. The V with crown is also a London proof but stop being used some time in the 1950s. The 12, 14M was 1875-1887 and meant it was a choked barrel and to not use a solid "ball". The 13 is the bore and it was used 1887 to 1950ish. Not a clue on the 4C and can't tell the proof that's under the word choke, possibly a lion?

Btw a 13 bore should .710, put a mic on it

One more thing does it have ejectors?

I can’t make anything out of that proof, and yes it has ejectors. These old guns worth anything? This one has been used plenty.

Havent a clue and I can't distinguish a maker. If you're convinced it's a purdey than send it to them and have it authenticated.

Every single Purdey made has been documented with them and they even have original build sheets down to who made the gun and stock. Not to be a bummer but it would have been the 1st place a checked. Some Purdeys are north of $100k and the barrels are Damascus so I probably wouldn't shoot it. If it's a legit purdey, the stock has been defaced by the stamping, the right side firing pin face appears to be damaged and someone has polished it. The polishing is speculation based on the pictures. 1st step is a call to purdey and take it from there.

Purdey didn’t make too many boxlock guns, and the ones they did were considered “D” grade. If it was a Purdey the top rib would be engraved with the Purdey name and address. The action would probably also be engraved with the J. Purdey & Sons name. It would be painfully obvious.

Webley & Scott provided a lot of people in the London trade with boxlock actions from which they finished out. Some well known names, others not so.

The condition of the wood to metal fit is poor, condition of wood is poor, the action has been taken apart by someone with screwdrivers that didn’t fit correctly, fences look buffed on. I’d guess a value of around $500 if the barrels have clean bores and safe wall thickness.

As to the matter of Damascus barrels, if they check out fine by a competent gunsmith they are safe to shoot with low pressure loads of the correct length(2 1/2” most likely).

check with Collectors Firearms in Houston and Jackson Arms in Dallas. they can help with ID and value

dang neat gun!!!!!!

Anson and Deeley invented the Hammerless design used in British shotguns around 1875. If indeed your shotgun was made around 1875 then it’s likely a Westley-Richards, which is who Anson and Deeley worked for. They soon started their own company so it could be an Anson Deeley shotgun.

big names like Purdey, Westley Richards, H&H, Greener, and a host of many others put their names on the guns. If it’s hard to determine who the make is its usually a lesser name, or built as a trade/guild gun.

There were a bunch of companies making Anson and Deeley boxlocks and paying royalties. More pictures are needed, but I’m doubtful it’s WR.

The gun also appears to have a Webley screw-grip third bite, the very same setup that Webley &Scott used on their actions they provided to so many.

Do we know what the serial number is?

Other than what’s in the pics I can’t find any other markings. I’ll check with the 2 companies mentioned and see what they come up with.

If the shotgun was truly made in 1875 it is doubtful to me it’s a Purdey. Your points are taken, I know you have much more knowledge about this subject than I do.